By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna The Coalition of Northern Youth and Women Initiative for Good Governance, CONYWIGG, has honoure...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Coalition of Northern Youth and Women Initiative for Good Governance, CONYWIGG, has honoured Dr. Emmanuel Simon with the traditional title of “Garkuwan Matasan Arewa”, meaning Shield of Northern Youths, in recognition of his contributions to peacebuilding and youth development across Northern Nigeria.
The title was conferred on him in Kaduna during a courtesy visit by CONYWIGG’s leadership. The visit and nomination were facilitated by Dr. Tafida Jibril Lawal, Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Diaspora and NGO Matters.
According to the coalition, Dr. Simon was selected for what it described as his “outstanding and selfless service” to interfaith dialogue, youth empowerment, women development, and peaceful coexistence in the region.
CONYWIGG also noted that his consistent advocacy for national unity, and his firm support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made him deserving of the honour.
Speaking at the event, officials of the coalition said the title “Garkuwan Matasan Arewa” represents protection, leadership and commitment to the younger generation qualities they said Dr. Simon has demonstrated over the years through his community work.
Dr. Simon currently serves as National Patron, Religious Affairs, of Relax Tinubu is Fixing Nigeria a support group mobilizing grassroots support for the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.
In his response, Dr. Simon thanked CONYWIGG for the recognition and also appreciated Dr. Tafida Jibril Lawal for recommending him for the honour.
He described the title as one he will “forever cherish and value,” and promised to use it to promote peace, unity and inclusion among Northern youths.
“I accept this honour with humility and a renewed sense of responsibility,” he said. “At a time like this, our country needs more voices preaching peaceful coexistence, interfaith harmony and youth inclusion. I will continue to be that voice.”
Leaders of CONYWIGG said the award aligns with the group’s mission of identifying and celebrating Nigerians who are making meaningful contributions to good governance, social cohesion, and the development of youths and women in the North.
The event drew youth and women leaders from Kaduna and other parts of Northern Nigeria, many of whom described the recognition as timely and well deserved.
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